Government Bans Killer Cribs

Drop-side design linked to 32 infant deaths since 2000
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted May 21, 2010 5:12 PM CDT
Government Bans Killer Cribs
This undated handout photo provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows a Simplicity crib.   (AP Photo/CPSC)

If you grew up in the US, chances are you spent some time in a drop-side crib, which allows adults to lower one side so they have easy access to the occupant. T the government is about to ban the popular crib design, which has been linked to 32 infant deaths since 2000, the Washington Post reports. Whether because of poor design or incorrect assembly, the "drop" side can fall on the infant, causing strangulation.

Consumer advocates say manufacturers' shift to cheaper materials has exacerbated the problem. Crib manufacturers argue the cribs are safe when assembled correctly, but regulators counter that the heavy secondhand usage the expensive cribs are put through raises the safety risk to unacceptable levels. Rather than attempt to save drop-side cribs, manufacturers are likely to modify designs: Cribs will be made with either shorter legs or an out-swinging gate to give the caregiver easy access to the child.
(More manufacturer stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X